Have you heard stories about Social Security Disability that just don’t sound right? You’re not alone. There are so many social security disability myths floating around that it’s hard to know what’s true and what’s just plain wrong.
At Tucker Disability Law, we hear these myths every single day. And honestly? Some of them are so far from the truth that they’re keeping people from getting benefits they really need. Others are making current beneficiaries worry about things that aren’t even real problems.
Let’s clear the air and talk about what’s actually true when it comes to Social Security Disability benefits. Trust us – the real facts might surprise you.
The Biggest Social Security Disability Myths About Working
Myth #1: If you work even one day, you’ll lose all your benefits
This is probably the scariest myth we hear, and it’s just not true. Here’s the real deal: In 2025, you can earn up to $1,620 per month ($2,700 if you’re blind) without it affecting your disability benefits at all. The Social Security Administration calls this “Substantial Gainful Activity,” or SGA for short.
The Real Story: Social Security actually wants you to try working again if you can! They have something called a Trial Work Period that lets you work for nine whole months while still getting your full benefits – no matter how much you earn during those months.
Myth #2: You have to be completely helpless to qualify for disability
We’ve met so many people who think they need to be bedridden or unable to move to get disability benefits. That’s just not how it works.
The Real Story: Social Security looks at whether you can do your old job or any other job that exists in decent numbers across the country. You can have good days and bad days. You can still do some things for yourself. What matters is whether your condition stops you from working regularly.
Social Security Disability Myths About Getting Approved
Myth #3: Everyone gets denied the first time, so why bother trying hard on your application?
This myth actually makes things worse! When people believe this, they don’t put effort into their first application – which is exactly why so many get denied.
The Real Story: Yes, about 62% of people do get denied initially. But here’s the thing – most of those denials happen because the application was missing important information or medical records. When you do your homework and submit a complete application with all the right documentation, your chances go way up.
Myth #4: If my doctor says I can’t work, I’m automatically approved
Your doctor’s opinion is super important, but it’s not the only thing that matters.
The Real Story: A disability examiner (not your doctor) makes the final decision about your benefits. They look at your medical records, your doctor’s opinions, and how your condition affects your ability to work. Your doctor’s word carries weight, but Social Security has to make sure everything meets their specific rules.
Timing Social Security Disability Myths That Cost People Money
Myth #5: You have to be disabled for a full year before you can even apply
This dangerous myth has cost people thousands of dollars in benefits they could have received.
The Real Story: You can apply as soon as your doctor thinks your condition will last more than a year. The key words are “expected to last.” You don’t have to wait – in fact, the sooner you apply after becoming disabled, the sooner your benefits can start.
Myth #6: Once you’re approved, you never have to worry about reviews
Some people think disability benefits are set in stone forever. Not quite.
The Real Story: Social Security does review cases from time to time through something called a Continuing Disability Review. But here’s good news – if you’re working with a Ticket to Work program and making progress, they won’t do medical reviews while you’re participating.
Money-Related Social Security Disability Myths
Myth #7: You can’t get workers’ comp and disability benefits at the same time
This myth keeps injured workers from getting all the help they’re entitled to.
The Real Story: You absolutely can get both! Social Security might reduce your disability benefits a little to balance things out, but you’ll almost always end up with more money total by getting both benefits.
Myth #8: Having savings or other income means you can’t get SSDI
Some people avoid applying because they think having a savings account or getting other income disqualifies them.
The Real Story: SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) doesn’t care about your bank account or other income. It only cares about your medical condition and whether you’ve worked enough years to qualify. You’re thinking of SSI (Supplemental Security Income), which does have income limits.
Why Do These Social Security Disability Myths Keep Spreading?
It’s honestly frustrating how these myths keep going around. Usually, it’s because:
- People mix up different programs (SSDI vs. SSI)
- Information gets outdated but people keep sharing it
- Well-meaning friends and family share what they “heard somewhere”
- The Social Security system is genuinely complicated
At Tucker Disability Law, we get it. When you’re dealing with a disability, the last thing you need is confusing information making everything harder.
Don’t Let Myths Stop You From Getting Help
Here’s the bottom line: If you have a disability that’s keeping you from working, don’t let these myths scare you away from applying for benefits you’ve earned. Every person’s situation is different, and what happened to your neighbor or your friend might not apply to you at all.
The biggest mistake? Not applying at all because you believed something that isn’t even true.
Our team at Tucker Disability Law has heard all these myths before, and we know how to separate fact from fiction. We can look at your specific situation, explain what’s really true for your case, and help you through the whole process.
Remember our motto: We Never Give Up. That means we don’t give up on getting you the benefits you deserve, and you shouldn’t give up either – especially not because of myths that aren’t even real.
Ready to get the real facts about your disability claim? Contact Tucker Disability Law today. Because when it comes to your future and your family’s security, the truth is always better than myths.
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